Sunday, May 4, 2008

Welcome to my first blog!

My blog experience began like this: for my Online Journalism class at Ohio University, I have been assigned to cover an on-going news story. As I brainstormed ideas one afternoon, I found in my inbox yet another e-invite to a friend’s thesis art show (a true sign that, alas, graduation is getting closer). I RSVP-ed, went back to brainstorming and then it hit me; does anyone outside of the School of Art really know what goes into the production of one of these shows?

I have several friends working toward BFA's and MFA's, and in turn have gained an ounce of insight into the world of art at Ohio University; I have spent a significant amount of time hearing about these shows and watching the preparations for them. However, even I have been surprised to see how much work goes into a thesis show. As most undergraduate students at OU don't have to complete a thesis to gradute (and spend their final quarter in bowling or jogging class and laying out on College Green), I was compelled to observe those who would spend their final days working harder than ever.

So here I begin my adventure into the land of thesis shows. I will cover the process (from artwork creation to show tear-down) of BFA and MFA candidates in the School of Art, and attempt to provide a glimpse into their world: one of hard work, long hours, stressful installations and, in the end, the completion of years of work. I will begin at the end, as it's the event that most are already fairly familar with: the thesis show reception.

Andrea Canalito, a graduate student earning her MFA in painting, held her thesis exhibition at the Majestic Galleries in Nelsonville, Ohio. The show, titled "Twinkle Twinkle Baby," was open from April 14th - April 26th; a closing reception was held on the 25th.

Canalito had the entire gallery for her work, while most upcoming shows include at least two students sharing a space.

The view from inside the main room: the hallway, leading guests into the exhibit. Canalito displayed work in this hall as well as two other large rooms.

Plaster cast chicken wings adorned either side of the hallway.

The following photos show the main room of Canalito's show. And yes, cupcakes were served as refreshments....

The artist, Andrea Canalito

A year's worth of work went into Canalito's show, but the end product is often all we see; in my following posts I will focus on artists Jeremy Plunkett, an MFA candidate, and Diane Call, a senior Graphic Design major earning her BFA, as well as any other artist whose work grabs my attention.

I think the pictures on this first post are fantastic! It's great to be able to see the artist's work in such detail. I do have one question, though ... why did Andrea get an entire gallery to herself? You mentioned that most people share a gallery with another student, but that she got an entire gallery display to herself. I'm just curious to know why.